Story perspectives

German Chancellor Backs Palestinian State Amid Netanyahu's Rejection

12/8/2025

Summary

Merz Advocates Statehood

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Israel to reaffirm support for a Palestinian state, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection.
Merz emphasized the need to negotiate on statehood.
Netanyahu said the Israeli public opposes a two-state solution.
The visit occurred amid German criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu's arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Gaza, and protests calling for an arms embargo.

Summary

Netanyahu Seeks Peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to meet the United States President Donald Trump later this month to discuss the Gaza peace plan's second phase.
This phase aims to end Hamas's governance and establish a transitional Palestinian government under an international security force.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the second phase must come now and Germany will assist Gaza's reconstruction if the U.S. clarifies outcomes after Netanyahu's meeting with Trump.

History

Historical Context

The Oslo Accords, signed on September 13, 1993, established a framework for peace between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), aiming for a two-state solution. Despite initial optimism, the process faced significant challenges, including the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 and ongoing violence. Today, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit underscores the continued international efforts to revive these critical negotiations.

1 of 3

Merz Advocates Statehood

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Israel to reaffirm support for a Palestinian state, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rejection.
Merz emphasized the need to negotiate on statehood.
Netanyahu said the Israeli public opposes a two-state solution.
The visit occurred amid German criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu's arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Gaza, and protests calling for an arms embargo.

1 / 3